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Is It Dementia?



Dementia is not just about losing your memory it can affect the way someone thinks, speaks and the things that they do. It becomes more difficult to learn new activities, to communicate and reason, it can interfere with tasks like writing and causes mood changes and confusion. This type of cognitive decline usually starts by affecting the short-term memory and can be severe enough to impact daily living, independence and relationships.


Symptoms


  • Short term forgetfulness

  • Judgment that is impaired

  • Behavior that is inappropriate

  • Struggling to communicate thoughts in the manor in which they want to express them

  • Difficulty finding the right word, or calling things by the wrong name

  • Balance, gait and motor issues

  • Disoriented to time, day and place

  • Unreliable & inaccurate reasoning

  • Difficulties with flexible thinking and logical problem solving

  • Personal care and safety are neglected

  • Easily agitated

  • Delusions with an erroneous perception of reality

  • Suspicion & mistrust of people and their actions without evidence or justification

Common behavior

  • Can become lost or disoriented in familiar places

  • Lacks an understanding on how to follow directions

  • Repeats or asks the same questions numerous times

  • Depressed, suspicious, and at times fearful

  • Difficulty with normal daily tasks

  • Neglectful with nutrition - poor diet - lacks an appetite

  • Can become unkempt and ignore hygiene

  • Withdraws from work, hobbies and social activities

  • Becomes confused following the flow of a conversation

  • Forgetful to the day or time of day

  • Difficulty following story lines, struggling to follow along with conversations or TV programs

  • Misplacing items - putting thing is out of the ordinary places

Not all forms of memory loss is dementia. However someone who has a least two types of impairment that is significant enough to interfere with everyday life could be considered a diagnosis. In addition to difficulty remembering they may experience impairment in:

  • Communication can become difficult and take longer than usual to conclude

  • Concentrated activity and lack of focus

  • Understanding and formation of judgment by logic

For someone in the early stages, the experience is frightening. Suddenly they can't remember people they know or follow what others are saying. They can't remember why they went for a walk and got lost on the way back. Because of the uncertainty they may crave routine and not want to try new things. Having difficulty adapting to changes is a typical sign of early dementia.


If you have concerns or are worried about memory issues report these symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible and schedule regular follow up visits. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms, offer advice on healthy lifestyle adjustments, and help you obtain the appropriate care.


Help a loved one maximize their quality of life and thrive at home safely & securely with a professional expert caregiver. Call Easy Living today to find out how to get started enjoying caregiver assistance.

770-442-8664 www.easylivingservices.com


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